everybody out of the way! sydney's walking!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBEUl84Aevc

Sydney's walking! Because we clap every time she walks, she now applauds herself. It's really cute. Jared thinks she looks like a zombie or a really drunk person as she stumbles and fumbles to put one foot in front of the other. She took a few steps to Aunt Kylie in November when we were home for Thanksgiving, but she didn't really get going until the night before her birthday. Jared was playing with her upstairs, and, out of nowhere, she decided to walk the entire length of our hallway.

happy 1st birthday, sydney!

Party at Grandma & Grandpa Sturgills' house

Yes, she had a bath immediately after the party.

I just can't believe it! I can't believe Sydney is already 1! Crazy! Where has the time gone? Where did the seasons go? It's as if someone hit the fastforward button on my life in 2009. These milestones are bitter/sweet. Of course sweet because it's so fun and rewarding to watch her grow and develop. But, also a little bitter because I'm coming to realize just how quickly these years will go. It's in these moments of realization I remind myself to live in the moment and savor every minute!

Thanks to Aunt Kylie and Grandma for throwing Sydney a fabulous pre-birthday bash in Kentucky! As you can see from the pictures, she had so much fun digging into her little cake. All of the gifts were perfect. Sydney is so lucky to have so many people in her life who love her so much!

On her actual birthday, December 7th, I threw Sydney an intimate shindig at the house. I went back and forth trying to decide if I should go all out or keep it simple. I ended up keeping it pretty low key because we had only gotten back from our trip the day before.
Thanks to Grandma & Grandpa Overton, Brad & Aubrey, and Katie & Elliott for sharing in Sydney's special day.

jet setter

A few pics of Sydney on planes. She's been an excellent little traveler - with the exception of our most recent flight to Kentucky. :) In fact, she's been so good that on one of our flights a flight attendant asked to hold her (see photo).

home for the holidays

We went to Kentucky this year for Thanksgiving. There's nothing better than being home for the holidays. And, thankfully, my parent's house still feels like home. Sydney had lots of fun being spoiled by Grandma, Grandpa, and Aunt Kylie! We spent a few days in Gatlinburg, Tennessee before Thanksgiving. It felt just like old times!

Side story: In keeping with the Sturgill Family tradition, we took in the Christmas show at Dixie Stampede - which didn't disappoint. Sydney was mezmorized! Anyway, back to my story. After the opening horse show, the host came out to discuss the "rules." We were on the North side (and we won by the way). The host explained that we needed to hoot and holler and make noise for our team during the competitions. Then he asked the audience, "so, what er ya gunna do when you've got a roll in yur right hand, an ear of corn in yur left, and a chicken thigh stuck in yur gizzard?" The crowd was silent. Before the host could scream "STAMPEDE," my dad, who's seen the show at least a dozen times, beat him to it. He screamed, "STAMPEDE" as loud as he could and began stomping his feet. The host turned and looked my dad's way and said, "it sounds like some of you have been here before."

lioness

Sydney was our little lioness for Halloween this year - her first Halloween. I'm sad I didn't get a picture after I painted her nose. Oh well. Jared bought this costume when she was only a few days old because he though her little cry sounded like a lion roar - a very pathetic one! So, he dressed her up and took some video of her crying while wearing the costume. It's pretty cute. I'm sure she'll enjoy watching the video one day. It's crazy to see her almost too big for this costume. I never thought this day would come!

happy halloween!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGifw9HU3c8&feature=channel

hmmm...which one do i want?

where's waldo...i mean sydney

after
before

on the go

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRBoHmmQ7F0

beach babe

Jared won the Utah Mid-AM qualifying for the state of Utah, advancing him to the US Mid-AM held on Kiawah Island, South Carolina. So, we packed up and headed east for a little golf / vacay. The weather was great, and Sydney loved the beach. She also loved eating the sand. It was a blast watching Jared play! He didn't do as well as he had hoped, which, of course, was disappointing. His tournament play ended early, giving us time to drive up to Highpoint, North Carolina (a.k.a. furniture Mecca of the western world / my heaven on earth). I had three days, but could have easily spent three weeks meandering through all the stores. I'm already tentatively planning a trip back.

milestones

Very excited!

Sydney's figured out her sippy cup, and she loves it!
She's also got enough hair for a bow...barely.

go cougs!

The Florida State vs. BYU game was truly depressing.  Luckily we snapped a few shots before the game got started when our spirits were much higher.  We ended up leaving mid-3rd quarter because the score was already like 15 to 50 Florida, and Sydney was getting antsy.  The plastic lids, spoons, straws, and napkins I had swiped from the concessions to keep her entertained had lost their appeal by this point.  

corn, anyone?

OK, I know this is absolutely disgusting, but it's also fascinating at the same time (to me anyway).  I fed Sydney probably an ears worth of corn yesterday straight from the cob, and this is how her poo has been all day today.  It's basically 95% solid corn kernels.  Obviously, her little digestive system can't break down corn at this point.  Gross - I know!  I'm a little shocked I blogged about this!     

farm country at thanksgiving point

Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point may have been a little over Sydney's head, but it was still a really fun activity.  We went with our good friend Ashley and her adorable little girl Savy and had a great time!  We saw goats, horses, a pony, pigs, ram, sheep, chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, and turkey.   

she's got a point!

What a good little girl I have!  She's so easy, and I'm so lucky!  While loading up the car after doing some serious grocery shopping, Sydney pointed out the cars as they went by.  

scera park...3rd day in a row!

blue eyes, blue skies

This is a good shot of her two bottom teeth.  

(Her new nickname is Sabertooth)

at the park on labor day

Our Labor Day got off to a great start!  At least in my opinion, anyway.  Jared took Sydney with him on his morning jog which included feeding the ducks, so I got to sleep in.  Much needed and very appreciated!! Then he took her over to Riverside while I got ready for the day.  We met Jared's family and had lunch at the annual RCC Labor Day festival.  Jared played golf that afternoon, and I took Sydney to the park and for a walk.  We ended the day going to the batting cages at Trafalga (something we've never done together, and I haven't done since I was like 9) and then take-out from our favorite - Cafe Rio.  Couldn't have asked for a better day!